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Château Chaptal: Historic Elegance with Modern Luxury

Amboise, France

Apartment850 sq. ft.

Sleeps: 5

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1

Half Baths: 1

Min Stay: 3 nights

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1.5 Baths, (Sleeps 4-5)

While not a real castle (well, ok, it's not really a castle at all), Château Chaptal is like a castle to us. The apartment is an eclectic mix of historic charm and modern amenities, and we have done our best to provide everything you will need to have an outstanding stay. The 850 square foot apartment boasts original beams, high ceilings, and large windows, along with a beautiful stainless steel kitchen and completely renovated and updated bathrooms. With its six large windows and high ceilings, the apartment is airy and light. High quality sleeping and living amenities, including linens, make the apartment welcoming and comfortable.

When you enter the building from the street, you walk through a hallway and into a beautiful small garden area which is shared by the building's residents (there are only four other units in the building). You are welcome to use the garden chairs and table to enjoy your coffee and croissants in the morning or an evening aperitif and appetizers. Bask in the sun as you read or relax and enjoy the herbs and flowers in the garden. The apartment is up one flight of stairs, which are wide and not steep, making them easy to maneuver, very unusual in older French buildings.

The apartment was renovated in 2012 and provides old-world charm with modern day comfort. Stainless steel, high-end appliances make the kitchen a pleasure to work in (should you desire), and everything you will need to make and serve meals is provided. There is a large, open kitchen and dining room area, with a beautiful solid oak table that can easily seat 6 people, along with several armchairs for relaxing with your coffee or an afternoon aperitif. The living room is adjacent, separated by original wooden beams, making it open and yet giving it its own space. There is a sleeper sofa and armchair, along with a television and several antique tables in the room.

Off the hallway is the bedroom, large by French standards, with a French king size bed (smaller than an American king, but larger than a Queen, about 5.6' by 6.5'). There is a closet and a dresser so you can unpack and relax in your new home, along with bookcases and a nightstand. On the bookcase you will find a large variety of films, compact discs, and books--just in case you get bored and need something to do. There are even a variety of cookbooks, in French and English, should you decide to cook during your stay.

Further down the hallway is a full bathroom, which boasts a large glass and tile shower, with both a fixed, rainfall shower head and a removable sprayer. It is more than big enough for even a tall American. There is also an antique sink stand, a lighted wall mirror, a heated towel rack, and a toilet. At the end of the hallway is a half bath with a toilet, sink, and medicine cabinet. While not large, it is nice to have another space to use as a bathroom facility.

There is also a second bedroom, which is available should you need it (it is locked when the property is rented as a one bedroom). It is a lovely space just off the main hallway with a bed that can either be made up as a French king or as two twins. There is a small dresser and a table and chair should you wish to sit and work. PLEASE NOTE that the ceiling in this room is sloped and low, and while most folks can stand up in part of it, many will need to pay attention to their heads at some point! It is a very nice room and works well as a second bedroom, but you do need to be attentive to the low ceiling.

The apartment is located steps off of the Rue Nationale, a semi-pedestrian street lined with charming little shops and boutiques. It is only minutes from the Château d'Amboise and Clos Lucé (Da Vinci's last home which is now a museum). In addition, the marché, or weekly market, takes place along the Loire every Friday and Sunday, and is only a 5 minute walk from the apartment. This prime location makes seeing the sights and enjoying the city easy and enjoyable.

Amboise is located in the heart of the Loire Valley, in almost the center of France, making it an ideal location from which to explore the multitude of castles in the region. It is easily accessible from Paris by train or car (about a 2 hour trip) and is only 20 minutes from Tours. Within close proximity are Chenonceau, Blois, Chambord, Villandry, Chaumont, Langeais, Ussé, and many other château in the Loire Valley. In addition, there are many vineyards to explore, from the Vouvray whites to Chinon reds. You can easily walk to the apartment from the train station (about a 20 minute walk), or a taxi will cost you about 10€ (depending on the number of people and suitcases).

We strive to provide a welcoming atmosphere and a high level of comfort, while at the same time making this a true 'pied à terre' for our guests. We want you to feel like you're in France, with all the charm and character of a real French apartment, but also feel that you're at home--especially after a long day of sightseeing.

Keywords: Historic, downtown, large two bedroom

Bedrooms

2 Bedrooms

Sleeps 5

Owner

Owner

Member Since 2012

Speaks:

english, french, spanish

Calendar last updated:

Dec 31, 2018

About Owner

We (Sandra and Tim) are ex-pat wannabees who would love to retire in France, but have children who still cost a bit too much for us to attempt this daring feat. Yet, we hope one day that this dream will become a reality, and thus have invested in a modest yet lovely little place in Amboise. We both work (now in the past tense for Sandra) at universities in the U.S.: Sandra was a Professor in sociology of education and is now an independent research consultant, and Tim is a systems analyst for a large university library system. Our love of France began many years ago. We first discovered Amboise on a family vacation in 2005, and fell in love with the city. We have been coming back regularly since then to delight in the food, wine, biking, hiking, and culture. We love to bike along the Loire, run in the countryside, drink the fine reds and whites of the region, go antiquing, and meander through the market.

Owner purchased this Apartment in 2011

Why Owner chose Amboise

We chose Amboise because of its proximity to Paris and to so many different cultural and natural attractions. The apartment appealed to us because of its central location, historic charm, and beautiful interior courtyard. Our goal when in France is to not have to drive and Amboise is perfect for that. You can go almost anywhere you need to go by train, bus, and/or bike. There is a never-ending variety of things to do and explore, and the weather is much more temperate than the highs and lows we are used to in Michigan and Ohio. What more could we ask for?

What makes this Apartment unique

The apartment is right off of the Rue Nationale, a fabulous pedestrian walkway with cobblestone streets, an old clock tower, and a variety of shops and boutiques. There are at least 5 different bakeries within a 10 minute walk, but our favorite is Boulangerie Gauvrau, which is perhaps the furthest (4/10 of a mile or about a 10 minute walk), but in our estimation definitely has the best bread (mot to mention luscious desserts). The market takes place every Friday and Sunday, with Sunday being one of the largest and finest in the area, definitely try not to miss it. You can buy meat, veggies, fruits, furniture, scarves, paella, roast chicken and potatoes, fresh pasta, olives, bras, cooking utensils, soap...well, you get the picture, just about anything. It is a delight for the eyes, ears, and nose, but don't go if you're in a hurry, the crowds stroll slowly!
We also provide a detailed list of restaurants, with reviews (from us, from friends, and from former renters). There are a large variety of restaurants available, from creperies to pizzerias to traditional French 'brasserie' type restaurants. We also have a French chef who is able to prepare meals in the apartment for you or provide cooking lessons should you want them.

Amenities

Washer & Dryer

Internet

TV

Parking

Satellite or Cable

Bathrooms

1 Bathroom, 1 Half Bath

Location Type

Monument View

St. Denis church is visible, especially beautiful in the evening.

Meals

Guests provide their own meals

General

Telephone

Linens Provided

High quality linens are provided.

Washing Machine

There is a laundry room with a separate washer and dryer.

Clothes Dryer

There is a laundry room with a washer and dryer (not a combined unit) and also a drying rack should you need it.

Parking

Wireless Internet

Iron & Board

Hair Dryer

Free Long Distance

Free calls to the U.S. and Canada, along with many other countries.

Kitchen

Dishwasher

Refrigerator

Large refrigerator and freezer.

Stove

Oven

Microwave

Cooking Utensils

Pots, pans, dishes, serving utensils...everything you need is there.

Coffee Maker

Toaster

Catering Available

Kitchen

Dining

Dining Area

Dining

Large wooden table and chairs.

Entertainment

Television

Satellite / Cable

With access to some English channels including CNN.

Stereo

CD Player

DVD Player

Books

Music Library

Video Library

Outside

Deck / Patio

There is a beautiful interior courtyard and garden where guests can rest and relax.

Suitability

wheelchair inaccessible

House Rules

Check-in: 3:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Cancellation Policy

100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date. 50% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date.

53 Reviews

Wonderful4.8/5

1 - 6 of 53

Very comfortable

5/5

Stayed Sep 2018

Philip M.

Comfortable accommodations with many home conveniences. Perfect location in Amboise near free parking.

Submitted Sep 30, 2018

Location, Comfort & Premier Owner

5/5

Stayed Sep 2018

RIchard S.

Perfectly located in Amboise near wonderful restaurants, shopping and sight seeing. Comfortable, clean and well equipped... just as advertised. The owner’s help prior to stay and suggestions during the stay were outstanding. Highly recommend Amboise as a centrally located base for touring the Loire Valley and Chateau Chaptal as the place to stay.

Submitted Oct 7, 2018

Fantastic

5/5

Stayed Sep 2018

Aristotel P.Rockville Centre

A home away from home. All the necessities required to make your vacation a truly remarkable experience. Located in the heart of town and close to all and every need. A great place to stay and tour the Loire Valley.

Submitted Sep 15, 2018

A Gem of an apartment in wonderful Amboire

5/5

Stayed Jul 2018

Denis J.

The apartment lives up to its billing - ideally located in Amboire's centre and beautifully furnished. The hosts are great to deal with.

The book of house rules and helpful hints was such a great help in making our stay a memorable one.

Submitted Jul 26, 2018

Well located and well equipped

5/5

Stayed Apr 2018

chris g.

My daughter and 2 children were very comfortable in the homely Chateau Chaptal. It is set up for private use and so is very well equipped and has a nice feel to it . The kitchen is large, the washer/dryer works well and there is a large clothes airing rack. There are a few family photographs but you are not overwhelmed by personal items.The owners were upset to hear that the telephone and one of the radiators were not functioning as they should and quickly took steps to remedy this. It is an easy walk to the river, Chateau and Clos Luce, and Bakeries, restaurants, small supermarket etc are close by.

Submitted Apr 20, 2018

Owner's Response:

We're so glad you enjoyed your time at the apartment, and again we apologize for the inconvenience of having the phone and radiators not working appropriately. And we thank you for letting us know, so that we could get them fixed! Have a wonderful rest of your vacation!

Wonderful

5/5

Stayed Oct 2017

Thank you Sandra and Tim for having a wonderful apartment right in the heart of Amboise! Everything was just as expected. They have perfect instructions and suggestions for your stay. Sandra went above and beyond in our preparations by helping answer questions we had. Thank you again.

Submitted Oct 28, 2017

Owner's Response:

Thank you so much. We're always happy to help people know and experience the region, it is such a wonderful place to explore. It was lovely to have you as guests.

1 - 6 of 53

Map

Amboise, France

In town is the Château D'Amboise and Clos Lucé, nearby are Chenonceau, Villandry, Azay le Rideau, Ussé (the Sleeping Beauty castle), Chambord, Chaumont, and many other châteaux of the Loire, great biking along the Loire à Vélo path, wine tasting and vineyard tours are available and are also available in town, the Mini-Châteaux park, the Aquarium, the Zoo, and many other attractions

Rates & Availability

Taxes and fees are additional

Additional information about rental rates

Additional Guest Fee

$28

Fees are for up to 4 people in the apartment. + 25 euros per person per day for additional people. Security deposit of 50% due at time of booking. Balance due 30 days prior to arrival. Rates include all taxes, fees, and charges.